Telehealth psychiatry in Washington: your first visit

A video appointment should not leave you wondering who will appear, what you need to prepare, or what the bill will be. Here is how a first visit works in this practice.

Who provides psychiatric care here?

You will see me, Udoka Addy, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. A psychiatrist is a physician; these are different professional backgrounds. In this practice, my services are psychiatric evaluation and medication management.

When choosing a provider, useful questions go beyond the title: Do they assess the concerns you have? What happens if you need a service they do not provide? Who will see you at follow-ups? How will you reach them between visits? Read about my background and approach.

When does this format fit?

Video allows us to talk face to face while you remain in a private place in Washington. It is one way to receive scheduled outpatient care, and we still need to decide whether it is sufficient for your situation.

A physical examination, urgent assessment, or another service may need a local provider. This practice has no walk-in clinic and does not provide emergency care. You can use the consultation to ask about fit before committing to the paid evaluation.

First, a free consultation

You meet with me, Udoka Addy, PMHNP-BC, by video or phone for 15 minutes. We talk about what you are seeking, the services I provide, and practical questions such as cost. The consultation does not include diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing.

If we proceed, the initial psychiatric evaluation is a separate 60-minute appointment costing $250. A standard follow-up is 30 minutes and $150. See all fees and payment details.

Prepare the essentials

• Complete the intake forms requested through SimplePractice.
• Have your medications, doses, supplements, and pharmacy details available.
• Bring any information you have about prior treatment and what helped or did not.
• Write down the two or three questions you most want answered.

You do not need a perfectly organized history. If a question on a form is unclear, make a note so we can discuss it.

Choose a private place in Washington

This practice sees adults who are physically located in Washington during appointments. Being a Washington resident while traveling elsewhere does not meet that requirement.

Use a space where you can speak without being overheard. Test your microphone, camera, and internet connection, and consider headphones. Do not join while driving. At the beginning of the visit, we confirm where you are physically located.

What happens during the evaluation

We review your concerns, medical and psychiatric history, prior treatment, daily life, and goals. We discuss an initial understanding of the problem and possible next steps. Sometimes more records, testing, or another type of evaluation is needed.

A prescription is not promised in advance. If medication is considered, ask what it is expected to help, what the risks are, and when we will review the plan.

If video does not work

Call the practice at (509) 356-2424. We can discuss the connection problem and the appropriate next step. A technical failure does not mean you should send private clinical information by ordinary email.

Established patients use SimplePractice for non-urgent messages. I respond within 24 hours, including weekends. This response window is not emergency coverage.

Common questions